THE SOLDIER'S PLEDGE

The Soldier stood before the Captain of the Guard 
His comrades fought and died to keep our Nation free
The battlefield was marked by stains of blood from war 
Now only memories follow those still left on shore! 

Their graves are marked with epitaphs on marbled stone 
And every year the tears still fall in silent groans 
The Purple Heart was theirs, not ours to hold with pride 
They are the heroes in the grave who fought and died! 

The Captain of the Guard then spoke in accent clear: 
“Where did you go when bugle called to face the foe?” 
The soldier, trembling answered, that he ran away 
He was afraid of fatal wounds or scars that day. 

Just then there flashed across the Eastern sky, a Cross! 
The scars of battle could be seen on hands and side 
The Captain bore those wounds in love for you and me 
So through His death enslaved mankind could be set free.

We are the soldiers that are called to fight the Foe 
It is for each to use the Sword while here below 
The question that disturbs and moves my heart by far 
Is what we'll tell Him if we have no wound or scar
Ben Pent

I GRIEVE FOR ME!

I grieve for me beside your grave
I want to give one last farewell
There are so many little things
That I just long to tell.

So if from heaven's portal gate
You're given one more fleeting glance
To look upon my lonely heart
Please give me one more chance.

Remember when we pledged our troth
When virgin love burst forth in bloom?
Our hearts began to beat as one
Each evening, morning, noon.

Then hand-in-hand we walked life's road
We built our castle strong and true
Where happy children learned to grow
And trust our blessed Savior, too.

Then time began to speed its course
The nest was empty once again
We used our gifts to serve the Lord
For He had promised great reward.

But since you left my aching heart
Your touch of love is felt no more
So I must tread life all alone
Until we meet on yonder Shore.

So tell me dearest, if you can
Since there's a mansion just for you
Could I stop by your open door
For just a glance or two?

Life's comfort would sustain me then
While you wait there for me
And when death's angel calls me Home
We'll share eternity.
--B. Pent

ONE LAST FAREWELL

THE TIME HAS COME TO BID FAREWELL
TO SAY ONCE MORE, "I MISS YOU SO!"
IT IS NOT EASY THROUGH THESE TEARS
TO SHAKE THE THOUGHTS OF BYGONE YEARS.

IT SEEMS LIKE ONLY YESTERDAY
WE WALKED AND TALKED ALONG LIFE'S PATH
BUT LIKE A CLOUDY MIST THAT FORMS
SOON SPIRITS FLY BEYOND EARTH STORMS.

WHY DOES THIS STING OF DEATH CAUSE PAIN
WHILE BROKEN HEARTS SEEK JOY IN VAIN?
IT IS THE CURSE WHERE SIN TOOK PLACE
WHICH CALVARY'S BLOOD CAN NOW ERASE.

WHEN TIME SO QUICKLY PASSED AWAY
I FAILED TO NOTE THE YEARS GO BY
SO WHEN I HEARD YOUR FLIGHT TOOK PLACE
I LONGED TO SHARE ONE LAST EMBRACE.

NOW MEMRY'S ALL I HAVE TO HOLD
IT IS THE LIGHT THAT MARKS MY PATH
SO WHEN WE MEET ON HEAVEN'S SHORE
TOGETHER WE WILL PART NO MORE.

I WEEP ONCE MORE ABOVE YOUR GRAVE
THE TENT IS ALL YOU'VE LEFT BEHIND
THE GROOM SENT DOWN HIS CHARIOT FLEET
TO JOIN THE BRIDE AT JESUS' FEET.

THE MANSION CHOSEN FOR OUR HOME
CANNOT DESCRIBE THIS AWESOME GIFT
THAT HE'S PREPARED IN GLORY THERE
FOR HIS VICTORIOUS CHURCH TO SHARE.
--B. Pent

LIGHT BREAKS THROUGH!

We feel the darkness all around
No gleam of light can there be found.
We grope like those who have no sight
And fail to reach the God of Light.

All that we ever hoped to gain
Are blown like chaff amidst the grain.
For all the hopes that this world gave
Are empty dirges at the grave.

So how can blind men find today
A path through this dark narrow way?
A Voice cries from an empty tomb
"I am the Way through sin's dark gloom."

Then suddenly a burst of light
Is offered those in need of sight.
And all who reach by faith to Him
Find life in Jesus Christ within.
--B. Pent